Doc Rivers and the Philadelphia 76ers agree on a five-year deal to make him head coach going forward. Rivers became available on the coaching market after being let go by the LA Clippers three days ago. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to break the news on Twitter.
The reasoning behind Rivers’ departure leans towards the loss in the Western Conference Semifinals against Denver. He has coached in Los Angeles for the last seven years and only missed the playoffs once in 2018. However, he was not able to get them to the Western Conference Finals during his tenure.
From the Lob City team to now, the Clippers with the talent they’ve had came short year after year. Due to multiple injuries and blowing series leads twice, Rivers and his squads couldn’t break the franchise’s 50 year curse. Owner Steve Ballmer and his team are currently searching for their new coach for the future.
On the other hand, Rivers will enter next season with his 22nd year straight of head coaching in the league. During his career he has coached for the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics and most recently the Clippers. He comes to Philadelphia, bringing a solid career winning percentage (.581) along with playoffs and championship pedigree.
With him at the helm, the 76ers look to get back on track and make a championship run next season. Similar to Los Angeles, Philadelphia has had its recent struggles in the playoffs as well.
Ben Simmons sizing up Ja Morant/ Courtesy of NBA
They’ve made it to the postseason three straight years in a row, but no conference final berth as well. The 76ers looked to make noise this year, but tragedy struck when they lost Ben Simmons due to injury. The team tried to forge on without him but the loss was too detrimental. They were sent home early this playoffs as they got swept by the Boston Celtics in the 1st round. Soon after, they decided they wanted change as well and fired their former coach Brett Brown.
Nevertheless, next season is right around the corner and it’ll be anyone’s chance to win. The combination of Rivers coaching with their talent could be the missing piece of the puzzle for them. He will look to lead Philadelphia to its first NBA Finals since 2001 and championship since 1983.
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